According to a World Health Organization (WHO) report, at least 2.2 billion people live with distance or near vision impairment worldwide. These numbers prove vision problems are more common than you may think. These problems become worse when conditions like cataracts and refractive errors go uncorrected for extended periods. This article introduces you to common vision problems that demand professional vision treatment services.
Common Vision Problems
Some common vision conditions affecting many individuals globally include:
Cataracts
In a nutshell, cataracts refer to a scenario where the clear lens in your eye becomes clouded. As a result, your vision becomes somewhat similar to seeing through a fogged-up or frosty window. That is why patients with cataracts find activities – like driving and reading – extremely challenging, especially at nighttime. This condition develops gradually and lasts from a few years to a lifetime. Look out for symptoms like blurred vision, sensitivity to light, yellowing of colors, and seeing halos around lights – these are clear indicators of cataracts.
Glaucoma
Glaucoma is a cluster of vision problems that often lead to blindness. These problems can be categorized into two broad types of glaucoma: angle-closure glaucoma and open-angle glaucoma. The leading cause of glaucoma is optic nerve damage. As the condition of optic nerves worsens progressively, your visual field develops blind spots. Common symptoms of this condition include vision loss, redness in the eyes, and hazy-looking eyes in infants. If you spot any of these, seek treatment services to avoid permanent vision loss or total blindness.
Refractive errors
If your eyes find it difficult to focus images from the outside world, you likely have refractive errors. This condition results in blurred vision that, in severe cases, leads to visual impairment. Myopia (nearsightedness), hyperopia (farsightedness), presbyopia, and astigmatism are the main types of refractive errors. An onset of refractive errors is often heralded by symptoms like blurry vision, reduced concentration, and headaches.
Macular degeneration
Macular degeneration is an eye condition that affects the retina's central part, otherwise known as the macula. Macular degeneration and leads to loss or distortion of central vision in the long run. The most common symptoms of macular degeneration include visual distortions, reduced central vision in either or both eyes, challenges adapting to any dim light, and increased blurriness in printed words.
Get Professional Vision Treatment
Your visual system is susceptible to numerous conditions that negatively impact your quality of life. Fortunately, if you have any vision problems, all you have to do is seek reputable visual treatment services. With the help of optometrists, you will receive proper eye examination, diagnosis, and treatment. For more information about vision treatment, contact an eye doctor in your area.